The Romney-Ryan campaign is gearing up for the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. (David Goldman - AP)

The big goal of the GOP conventionother than avoiding Tropical Storm Issacis reintroducing Mitt Romney to the American people. The Romney campaigns convention game plan is to tell the larger personal story of hard-earned success, as Time Magazine puts it. They will tap an unusually large circle of others who will speak on his behalf, reports the Wall Street Journal, and attempt to make the prospective nominee more approachable to voters who seem to respect him more than like him. In a nutshell, the candidate with only a 38 percent favorability rating coming into the convention is about to get personal.

But while likability and personal warmth matter, what the few independent voters checking in to the election for the first time will also want to see is more about what kind of leader Romney would be. The carefully scripted image-enhancement efforts of the convention need to do more than just depict Romneys personal side. They should also paint a better picture of the leadership traits that everyone expects in a president.

For one, Romney needs to outline his vision for the future. The GOP candidate has been criticized for offering few specifics when it comes to policy. His choice of Rep. Paul Ryan as his running mate may have helped him in that regardRyans been dubbed the intellectual leader of the Republican party as a result of his budget plansbut those policies are not Romneys vision. They are his running mates. Sweeping statements about how great America is and broad generalities about the need to get the economy back on track wont sway independent voters; a definitive vision that lays out his explicit policies and principles will.

Next, he needs to appear presidential and above the fray. The primaries are long over, but the tone of the current election is said to be one of the most brutal in memory. Romney must be careful not to stoop to too much negativity or make errors of judgment, such as his birther quip on Friday. In his convention acceptance speech, he should be careful not to rely on applause-generating lines that bash the president. Independent voters arent looking for red meat. Theyre looking for sensible, smart and specific presidents they can imagine filling the role.

Finally, Romney needs to come off as authentic. Yes, the parade of speakers this week is likely to make a still undefined candidate more understood and fill in human details of Romneys personal life (he irons his own shirts! he shops at Costco!).

But being relatable is not the same as being authentic. If the stories come off as too scripted, if the family anecdotes feel too corny or out-of-step with someone whos a millionaire many times over, they could hurt more than they help. No matter how many times Washington insider is used as a negative epithet, people dont necessarily want leaders who are just like them. They want leaders who like who they are, and who are true to their authentic selves.

View Photo Gallery:The best and the worst leadership moments of recent U.S. presidents.

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Republican convention needs to sell Mitt Romney’s leadership

He was an average football player from North Miami High who became a star linebacker for Division II Washburn University in Topeka, Kan. She was a hometown girl who taught him how to drive a stick shift car, took him home to her family for Thanksgiving dinners and helped him get acquainted to life in the Midwest.

Three years later, Tanya Stokes got pregnant heading into Everald Flowers senior season. Their plan: She would take care of their son with the help of her family and finish graduate school; he would return home and do the same at FIU.

We pretty much finished everything and were planning marriage, said Everald Flowers, the father of University of Miami freshman right tackle Ereck Flowers. Then, she got sick.

Stokes was diagnosed with stomach cancer in February 2000. She died a few months later before the couple could marry, the day after Thanksgiving at age 30, leaving behind a broken-hearted college sweetheart and a very sad and confused 6-year-old boy.

I didnt really even know she was dying, said Ereck, who moved to North Miami a few months after his mothers passing to live with his father permanently. Then, I woke up one morning and the ambulance was there.

What Flowers didnt know was his parents had been planning for his mothers eventual passing for months.

She said I want you to raise our son to the best of your capabilities, make sure hes the best guy he can be, said Everald, 40, who now works for the federal government. In the end, you always want your kid to have a better life than you.

Making a commitment

Twelve years later, Everald Flowers feels like hes on the doorstep of that reality.

His only child and the only person hes made time for since Flowers mother died will start in his first college game Saturday at Boston College. And like every single one of his sons previous games, Everald will be at Alumni Stadium to cheer Ereck on in person, fulfilling a commitment he made long ago.

Excerpt from:
Father’s mentorship guides success of Hurricanes’ Ereck Flowers

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

For Web-scale, consumer-facing applicationswhere response must be immediate, and failure is not an optionmore companies are betting their business on the Aerospike real-time NoSQL database (formerly Citrusleaf). Now the surge of customers in production within some of the worlds most data-intensive environments has led Aerospike to attract premier technology investors and luminaries to support the company in its next stage of growth. New Enterprise Associates (NEA) has led the Aerospike Series B funding round and was joined by existing investors Draper Associates and Alsop Louie Partners. Additionally, Don Haderle, the father of IBM DB2, has joined Aerospike as a company advisor.

The stunning customer traction points to the unique value Aerospike brings to the growing ranks of enterprises that have to predictably process massive amounts of data in real-time without fail, said Bruce Fram, Aerospike CEO. With Don and our investors, we have lined up an amazing team to build on our current success and meet our mission of adding 1,000 more passionate customers in production in the next three years.

New Funding Further Accelerates Company Traction

Aerospike will use the new venture capital investment to accelerate the companys global sales, marketing and support initiatives, as well as rollout new product innovations to address the enterprise demands for more reliable and responsive solutions to their big data challenges.

In conjunction with the Series B round of financing, Rohini Chakravarthy, NEA partner, joins the Aerospike board of directors. Aerospike has solved a very hard problem and delivered a solid product that customers rave about, she said. We are thrilled to team with Aerospike in building on its success and expanding its global role as the leader in real-time transaction processing for big data.

We are thrilled to back Aerospike, one of the most dynamic companies in a new generation of databases for Web-based big data, said Tim Draper, founder of Draper Associates. The team is going after a big problem with revolutionary technology. Customers come from a wide variety of industries, and all have similar enthusiasm for the Aerospike solution.

Aerospike is the Usain Bolt of database technology, said Stewart Alsop, founding partner of Alsop Louie Partners, which led Aerospikes initial venture round. With strong leadership and proven technology deployed in some of the industrys most data-intensive IT environments, Aerospike has what it takes to disrupt the database industry.

Don Haderle Contributes to Big Data Innovation

In his role as an Aerospike advisor, Don Haderle is helping to shape future generations of the Aerospike NoSQL database in addressing enterprises real-time big data demands. Known as the father of DB2, IBM's premier relational database management system, Don played a pivotal role in IBMs research and development efforts for more than 35 years. He was named an IBM Fellow in 1989 and most recently served as vice president and chief technology officer for the Information Management segment of IBM before retiring in 2005. Don also was named Association for Computer Machinery Fellow in 2000 in recognition of his impact on database technology, and elected to the National Academy of Engineering for contributions to the management of high-performance relational databases and leadership in founding the relational database management industry.Additionally, he secured more than 50 patents and disclosures across all areas of database management.

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Rapid Customer Success With Aerospike Real-Time NoSQL Database Attracts Series B Funding Led by NEA, Addition of Don ...

Are you an early-bird-gets-the-worm kind of person, or do you need a bulldozer to shove your head off the pillow each morning?

Scientists in Japan say they can tell the setting of your bodys circadian clock just by examining a small blood sample.

In a report published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers said they have developed a convenient method of estimating an individuals personal body time by examining the concentration of hormones and amino acids in two blood samples taken 12 hours apart.

The development could carry great benefit for those who are dieting, or taking medication with severe side effects: Certain anti-cancer drugs are most potent when taken at specific body-times, and toxic at others.

Internal body time refers to the molecular time-keeping mechanisms that regulate the sleep, digestion and metabolic processes of all mammals.

While scientists have long known that personal body times can vary by as many as 12 hours between individuals -- the difference between a so-called morning lark or night owl -- they have found it difficult to determine an individual's exact circadian clock setting. The current method is invasive and time-consuming -- medical workers must draw a persons blood on an hourly basis for up to 24 hours, and track levels of the hormone melatonin.

The studys lead author, Takeya Kasukawa, a genomicist with the RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology in Kobe, Japan, wrote that the new method examines the level of 50 different metabolites and compares them to a timetable. Blood must only be taken twice in a 24-hour period. The method pinpoints personal body time to within three hours, the authors wrote.

The study, and formulation of the timetable charts, was based on the observation of six healthy male volunteers in their 20s.

An individuals circadian rhythm can be altered by shift work, jet lag or an irregular lifestyle. Determining a persons body clock setting is important for the administration of medicine, and researchers said it could also have in impact on weight gain and dieting.

Studies with mice concluded that the animals got fatter while eating at the wrong time for their circadian rhythms. These results suggest that food intake at different body times can alleviate or exacerbate diet-induced obesity, those authors wrote.

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Early bird or night owl? Blood test reads personal body clock

August 27, 2012 - Available at aamanet.org/FenestrationMasters, online education format allows professionals to complete coursework at their own pace through access to any computer or device with Internet connection. Courses cover wide range of subject matters, including performance standards, product and material types, and code requirements. Group 1 courses are currently available and address fenestration product types, selection criteria, performance requirements, testing and labeling, and glazing options. American Architectural Manufacturers Association 1827 Walden Office Sq #104 Schaumburg, IL, 60173 USA Press release date: August 23, 2012

Schaumburg, Ill. -- The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) recently launched a new platform for FenestrationMasters(TM). All FenestrationMasters courses will now be available from the association's website to provide faster updates to courses and direct customer service.

FenestrationMasters, a nationwide education and certification program for professionals in the window, door, skylight, curtain wall, storefront and sloped glazing industries, was developed to help companies differentiate their business and increase their credibility by offering their customers the benefit of employees who have pursued a well-rounded education in the fenestration industry.

"We are very pleased to offer a unique and flexible education program that can be utilized for many different career paths and for candidates with varied degrees, training and experience who are seeking certification," says Rich Walker, AAMA president and CEO. "Switching to a new platform will be a big plus for FenestrationMasters students, as AAMA will be able to quickly update courses as new industry information becomes available and address customer concerns directly."

Course Curriculum The online education format of FenestrationMasters allows professionals to complete the coursework at their own pace and convenience through access to any computer or device with an Internet connection.

Courses cover a wide range of subject matters, including performance standards, product and material types and code requirements. Group 1 courses are currently available and address fenestration product types, selection criteria, performance requirements, testing and labeling and glazing options. They additionally provide an introduction to special performance challenges, such as acoustical performance, wind-borne debris, wind-driven rain and blast mitigation.

Scope of topics that will be offered later in the year consist of code requirements, coatings and finishes, installation documents, energy and thermal performance, skylights and daylighting, framing material considerations, window and door hardware, as well as sealants and adhesives.

Eligibility Criteria There are two different credentials available through the program, both requiring successful completion of the applicable coursework and the certification exam.

To qualify for the FenestrationMaster(TM) (advanced-level) certification, one of the following prerequisites must be met: a four-year degree in engineering, architecture or applied sciences in addition to four years of full-time fenestration-related experience; six years fenestration product-related experience or a FenestrationAssociate(TM) with three years of experience.

However, to qualify for the FenestrationAssociate (entry-level) certification, no minimum education or experience is required.

Excerpt from:
AAMA Launches Industry Education on aamanet.org/FenestrationMasters

Enlarge Courtesy of University of the People

Students work at the University of the People student computer center in Haiti. Students from 129 countries are currently enrolled with the institution.

Students work at the University of the People student computer center in Haiti. Students from 129 countries are currently enrolled with the institution.

Naylea Omayra Villanueva Sanchez, 22, lives on the edge of the Amazon rain forest in Tarapoto, northern Peru.

"Where I live, there's only jungle," Villanueva Sanchez says through an interpreter. "A university education is inaccessible."

And that's true in more ways than one. Villanueva Sanchez is in a wheelchair, the result of a motorcycle accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down.

She is now enrolled in the University of the People, an online institution that claims it is "the world's first, tuition-free, nonprofit, online university." It's aimed at poor students around the globe who would otherwise not have access to higher education.

Villanueva Sanchez came upon the University of the People while surfing the Internet during her recovery. When she applied for admission, she had to verify she was at least 18 years old, had finished high school and knew English. She paid a one-time $35 application fee, but her business administration courses are free. She pays no tuition or book costs.

"Of course, you see 'free' and right away you're suspicious," Villanueva Sanchez says. But after reading the organization's mission statement, she understood why it was free: She says it's for people like her, who don't have the opportunity or the money to attend college.

Making The Inaccessible Accessible

Read more:
Online University For All Balances Big Goals, Expensive Realities

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug.27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --American College of Education, one of the world's leading providers of online advanced degree programs for educators, announced today the availability of its Board of Trustees Scholarship Program. This new program provides prospective students with scholarships developed in honor of American College of Education's seven Board of Trustee members.

Members of the Board of Trustees at American College of Education include prominent leaders and some of the most respected names in the field of education with each scholarship reflecting various board members' passions and interests. Through this program, American College of Education aims to provide even more teachers with access to affordable graduate education to improve their skills as educators.

"The development of this scholarship program is a reinforcement of our belief that all classroom teachers and administrative leaders deserve the right to attend graduate school and become better educators," said Sandra Doran, President, American College of Education. "By recruiting outstanding students with this opportunity, we are taking steps toward elevating the standard of education in the modern classroom."

Prospective students can apply online each term at http://www.ace.edu/trusteescholarships for any of the seven scholarships, each with a specific focus in terms of educational or future career interest. With the new program, one $500 scholarship per member will be awarded each year, with the amount prorated over the duration of recipient's program.

The seven scholarships that make up the Board of Trustees Scholarship Program are:

About American College of Education

The mission of American College of Education is to deliver affordable, online degree programs that provide evidence-based content and relevant experiences to improve educators' knowledge, skills and performance.At American College of Education, students don't just earn a degree they receive immediate and tangible instruction on how to improve their classrooms and their schools. American College of Education is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA). For more information, visit http://www.ace.edu.

Media Contact: Kristin Kelly Ketchum for American College of Education 404.879.9248 Kristin.Kelly@Ketchum.com

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American College of Education Offers Scholarships to Outstanding Students in Honor of All-Star Board of Trustees

People News

Aug 27, 2012, 5:01 GMT

Colin Farrell

Colin Farrell loves yoga.

The 36-year-old actor - who has had trouble with drug and drink addiction in the past - admits he is now a reformed character who loves to exercise and make the most of his life.

He said: 'It's helped to stay away from the cocaine and the whiskey. Life moves in cycles. I'm not going to say there was a particular day or time when things changed, or even that I'm a different man.

'I enjoy the work more. I enjoy being a dad more. I enjoy doing things I never thought I'd enjoy, like yoga!

'Everything's by design, even if you think it's not. I can't say I sat down and said, 'Right, I am going to reinvest'. I know from talking to some friends and different people that it looks as though I've tried to redesign my career but it's not really like that.'

Now, Irish-born Colin listens more to what people have to say more after seven or eight years of 'chaos'.

He added to the Observer magazine: 'I am living with me more now. You can get caught up with everyone patting you on the back, and some people slagging you off. I am not saying I was ignored and that people didn't answer my phone calls, but it was chaos for seven or eight years.'

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Colin Farrell's yoga love

New yoga iPhone apps to take your practice on the road

Posted August 27, 2012 10:30am by Kate Currin Tags: Health, Stress Relief, yoga, fitness, exercise

From work stress to pregnancy nausea, yoga workouts can help alleviate a lot of conditions. Finding the right type of yoga routine to fit your individual needs can also be difficult. Before you buy a bunch of yoga DVDs or invest in a pricey yoga studio membership, try some of these recently-released or updated iPhone yoga apps. They are much more affordable and you can do these yoga practices anywhere!

Yoga is a great way to unwind and relax especially after a hard day or life-altering event. Yoga helps you slow down your breathing and connect with the world around you. You breathe in and breathe out all the negative thoughts floating around in your head while stretching your hard-working body. Whether you do yoga every day already or have never even tried one yoga pose, take a chance with the Let It Go Yoga app for iPhone ($1.99). This calming app will have you chilled out in no time.

Are you yoga lover on the go? Then you will love to take the free YogaWorkout.com PRO app for iPhone with you wherever you strike a yoga pose. This yoga app is perfect for fitting in a quick yoga break in your office or in your hotel room while traveling. The Detox Flow is just the right yoga workout to get you back on track after a long night out with friends. Try the Gentle Hatha Sequence when you wake up to get the day started on a positive note.

Download the Appolicious Android app

Are you behind on your yoga practice? The Simply Yoga app for iPhone ($2.99) offers two levels of yoga routines with three length options. The 20, 40, and 60 minute yoga workouts give you the ability to fit in a yoga workout every day. The app offers six prepared yoga routines or gives you the ability to customize your own yoga workout. The in-depth pose descriptions make the Simply Yoga app perfect for beginners to use along with a studio yoga practice. Impress your yoga teacher with at-home learning on your iPhone!

Tired of the same old yoga practice? Think you can come up with a better flow? Try your hand at creating your own yoga flow practice with the Yoga Creator app for iPhone ($4.99). Yoga gurus and teachers will love this app to customize new classes on the go. Teachers can send new yoga routines to students via email using the Yoga Creator app.

Are you pregnant and looking for a gentle way to stay in shape? The Pregnancy Yoga with Ayala Gill app for iPhone ($2.99) will help you embrace your changing body and prepare for child birth through gentle yoga routines. This yoga app includes routines to help support nausea and fatigue as well as enhancing connection and love.

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New yoga iPhone apps to take your practice on the road

Credit: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

Tomorrow night's "Guy Code" delves into the mystery known as yoga. I know what you're thinking: Yoga is for chicks. A manly workout consists of 45 plates clanging into each other, veins popping. Or maybe a solid run, whether it's outside braving the elements or on a treadmill with a Drago-like incline. Or maybe P90X or Insanity or Crossfit or some other high-intensity all-around hell cycle. Basically, if it involves grunting, it's a good workout. Thus, namby-pamby yoga is not a good workout. Well, you are wrong.

First of all, there are babes. Babes in tight pants spreading their legs and arching their backs and bending over RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU. This isn't like going to ballet or Zumba or some other "girly" thing. There are whole cultures built around yoga. It's not some womanly workout fad. It's legit. And often filled with babes. And just by being there, the girls already find you endearing. If you're good at it, they'll straight splash for you. You can also go into Lululemon and chat up the hotties that work there. Oh, what's that, you don't know about the yoga store Lululemon? So you're unaware that all the hottest girls applying for jobs at the mall end up there. They wear yoga pants to work, dude. So you can go in and sort of know what you're talking about and strike up a convo (but you can never, EVER buy something there, that would be a violation -- unless it's to give the hottie commission thinking it'll make her want to date you).

But let's talk about the workout aspect. It is the perfect exercise: you get a good sweat going and it's like you didn't even do ANYTHING. You may think contorting yourself in a solo game of Twister is easy, but seriously, when is the last time you stretched? Stretching is hard. I bet you can't even touch your toes right now. Yoga will help you touch your toes.

Better flexibility leads to better sex, so you'll no longer cramp up when your girl wants to get fresh using one of those overwrought positions she read about in Cosmo. Plus: it'll cure you of your two-pump-chump habits, science says so.

In addition to better flexibility, it helps with breathing. Those two things will make you better at other exercises. Running just makes you better at running. Lifting makes you better at lifting. But yoga makes you better at lifting and running and humping.

You can have your free weights and snatches. I'll be in the yoga room surrounded by snatches.

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Tags Exercise, Yoga

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Yoga Is Manlier Than You Think